Connector piece, fluid line and hydraulic device

ABSTRACT

A connection union for a fluid line ( 11 ) containing a fluid duct ( 14 ) has at least one signal conductor ( 16   a  and  16   b ) in the wall ( 15 ) of the fluid line ( 11 ) for the transmission of electrical and/or optical signal. The connection union a fluid line socket ( 23 ) and a holding device ( 25 ) for the fluid line ( 11 ) and at least one signal contact ( 31   a   ; 31   b ) for the production of a connection with the at least one signal conductor ( 16   a  and  16   b ). The at least one signal contact ( 31   a   ; 31   b ) is able to be slid in the insertion direction ( 28 ) of the fluid line ( 11; 68  through  71 ) and is provided with spring means ( 37 ) so that during a longitudinal movement of the fluid line ( 11 ) mounted on the connection union ( 10 ) the at least one signal contact ( 31   a   ; 31   b ) remains connected with the at least one signal conductor ( 16   a  and  16   b ). Moreover the invention contemplates a suitable fluid line ( 11 ) and a fluid power means belonging to it.

[0001] The invention relates to a connection union for a fluid linecontaining a fluid duct, whose wall comprises at least one signalconductor for the transmission of electrical and/or optical signals,comprising a socket for the fluid line, a holding device for holding thefluid line in the mounted state and at least one signal contact for theproduction of a connection with the at least one signal conductor.

[0002] The invention furthermore relates to a fluid line for such aconnection union, comprising a fluid line and a wall, which has at leastone signal conductor for the transmission of electrical and/or opticalsignals and furthermore a fluid power means, as for example a valvearrangement, a servicing device having such a connection union or,respectively, such a fluid line.

[0003] The Japanese patent publication P-H8-270845 describes for examplea fluid line with two electrical signal conductors arranged in its wall.The fluid line is able to be plugged into a connection union. In theconnection part the signal conductors project beyond the fluid line andmake electrical contact with the signal contacts of the connection unionfor contact connection. The connection union and, respectively, thefluid line are arranged on a fluid power means.

[0004] By way of the fluid line it is possible for both a fluid pressuremedium and also control and/or information signals to be transmitted toand from a fluid power means. However the security of making contact inthe connection between the signal conductor on the fluid line side andthe signal contact of the connection union is problematical. The fluidline is loaded by the fluid, that is to say the pressure medium, and isconsequently in no way statically and permanently connected with theconnection union. In fact, there are pressure fluctuations, moreparticularly in the case of pressure surges, causing a longitudinalmovement of the fluid line, inter alia in its connection part as well,atwhich it is seated in the connection union. Therefore the at least onesignal contact can not, even if it tends to resiliently give way andcomply with the longitudinal movement, at all times reliably ensure thenecessary contact connection with the respective signal conductor. Thecontact problems may result in malfunctioning or even damage ordestruction of the parts, if for example electrical or, respectively,optical short circuits occur or a control or information signal is nottransmitted or is not correctly transmitted.

[0005] It is consequently one object of the invention to improve thereliability of making contact between the at least one signal conductorand the at least one signal contact in the case of a connection union orrespectively a fluid line and a fluid power means of the type initiallymentioned.

[0006] In order to attain this a connection union of the type initiallymentioned there is a provision such that the at least one signal contactis able to be slid in the insertion direction of the fluid line and thatspring means are provided for the at least one signal contact actingtoward an insertion opening for the fluid line so that in the case of alongitudinal movement of the fluid line mounted on the connection unionthe at least one signal contact remains connected with the at least onesignal conductor.

[0007] In order to achieve the object in the case of the fluid line ofthe type initially mentioned there is the provision that it possesses anend face provided for the connection to the connection union, with whichthe at least one signal conductor is flush or in relation to same the atleast one signal conductor is retracted.

[0008] In the case of the fluid power means of the type initiallymentioned there is , in order to achieve the object, at least one suchconnection union and/or at least one such fluid line.

[0009] A basic principle of the invention is in this case that thesignal contact is to be arranged to be bodily slid in the insertiondirection of the fluid line so that it is readily possible for it tocomply with and follow a longitudinal movement. In this respect thesignal contact is aided by spring means holding it in contact with therespective signal conductor. Although in the insertion direction thesignal contact is able to be slid, athwart such direction the signalcontact is essentially in a fixed position in relation to the contactingsignal conductor.

[0010] Advantageous developments of the invention will be seen from thedependent claims and the specification.

[0011] The at least one signal contact is preferentially secured to acontact carrier in a manner providing support in a direction athwart theinsertion direction of the fluid line, such carrier being mounted in asliding fashion on the connection union in the insertion direction ofthe fluid line.

[0012] Preferably the at least one signal contact is able to be at leastfrictionally secured to the fluid line in relation to the at least onesignal conductor. This means that the action of the spring means isadvantageously enhanced.

[0013] The at least one signal conductor is advantageously arranged in asignal conductor passage of the fluid line. The at least one signalcontact is preferably so designed that it may bite into a section of thesignal conductor from end of the fluid line. Here it is held for examplefrictionally and more especially by a clamping action. For biting intothe signal conductor passage the signal contact preferably possesses apoint. The signal conductor passage is for example arranged in theinterior of a projection extending into the fluid duct.

[0014] The at least one signal contact is preferably provided with anabutment acting oppositely to the insertion direction, and against whichthe at least one signal contact may bear on insertion of the fluid lineits the socket. This measure is particularly effective in combinationwith the above mentioned measure: the signal contact may on insertion ofthe fluid line rest against an abutment so that the signal contact maypenetrate or bite into a section of the signal conductor passage. Theabutment may furthermore protect the signal contact or, respectively,the spring means against overloading.

[0015] It is convenient for a contact seal means to be provided, whichseals off at least signal contact in the mounted state thereof from theat least one fluid duct. Dirt particles in the fluid or pressure mediumor other oxidizing and/or contaminating materials can then not impairthe contact between teh signal conductor and the signal contact.

[0016] The spring means are preferably biased toward the opening intowhich insertion is to take place. They are furthermore preferablydesigned in the form of a connection line leading to the at least onesignal contact. However, it is also possible for the spring means tocomprise a spring means separate from the at least one signal contact.

[0017] The positioning of the at least one signal contact of theconnection union in relation to the at least one signal conductor andaccordingly the handling of the initially mentioned technicalarrangement and of that in accordance with the invention is facilitatedby the following particularly preferred measure, which in principle inconjunction with a connection union or a fluid power means of the typeinitially mentioned constitutes an invention in its own right. Herethere is the provision that adjacent to or at the socket a guide meansis provided for setting the fluid line at a predetermined angularposition, such guide means being able to be inserted into the at leastone fluid duct and on such insertion slides along at least one angularposition code means arranged in the at least one fluid duct so that thefluid line is able to be brought, prior to contacting the at least onesignal contact with the at least one signal conductor, into apredetermined angular position. The desired angular position, necessaryfor contacting the at least one signal conductor, is readily set.Operation is simple, a reliable making of contact of the at least onesignal conductor being produced by the at least one signal contact.

[0018] Preferably the guide means is so designed that by insertion ofthe fluid line the predetermined angular position may be reached priorto fixation of the fluid line by the holding device. The fluid line canbe readily turned into the angular position before the holding meansobstructs rotation or even halts it. Preferably the guide means isarranged on the fluid line socket. In this case a central arrangement ispreferred.

[0019] It is convenient for the guide means to be adapted to center thefluid line at the fluid line socket, it however also being possible tohave a centering means, as for example a centering pin or the like,separate from the guide means.

[0020] It is an advantage for the fluid line socket to have an abutmenton it for the fluid line, beyond which guide means projects. The fluidline may then slipped onto the guide means, as it were, and thrustforward to the abutment.

[0021] Preferably at least one cam is arranged cooperating with theangular position code means. The cam means for example that the fluidline may be connected with the connection union in a combined rotary andplugging movement, the cam implying an additional rotary movement oninsertion of the fluid line. However, a reversed embodiment is possiblein which the angular position code means comprises at least one cam oris constituted by a cam.

[0022] As regards the angular position code means various differentdesigns are possible able to be combined with one another, and forexample it may be constituted by the cross sectional geometry of thefluid duct, an elliptical or polygonal cross section being suitable forsetting one or more angular positions. Moreover at least one grooveand/or at least projection may be provided as a angular position codemeans. In such a projection the at least one signal conductor ispreferably arranged. In any case the guide means is designed forcooperation with the correspondingly designed angular position codemeans and has for this purpose, for example, lugs, pins or the like,adapted to match the cross sectional geometry of the fluid duct or,respectively, the grooves and the projections.

[0023] In a particularly preferred form of the invention the guide meanscomprises at least two lugs adapted to the outline of the fluid duct,which lugs in the mounted state engage the outline of the fluid duct.The lugs are preferably connected together by a stabilizing rib.

[0024] Dependent on the type, manner of functioning and number of thesignal conductor(s) of the fluid duct the predetermined angular positionmay be a unique angular position or it is possible for a plurality ofradially symmetrical angular positions to be provided. If only onesingle signal conductor is present, only one single angular position ispossible. If however for example two signal conductors are present, inthe case of which no electrical polarity is involved, for example tworadially symmetrical angular positions may be set by the guide means inaccordance with the invention.

[0025] The guide means is preferably arranged on the contact carrier.

[0026] The guide means is preferably arranged to project past the atleast one signal contact. This means that there is the following courseof events on attaching the fluid line to the connection union byplugging: the guide means is inserted into the fluid duct and so thatthe predetermined angular position of the fluid line is reached inrelation to the connection union. It is only when this angular positionis reached that the at least one signal contact comes into contact withthe at least one signal conductor. It may for example for example biteinto a signal conductor passage of the fluid line during a longitudinalmovement in the insertion direction.

[0027] In the case of the fluid line the following measures arepreferred:

[0028] The fluid line preferably has at least one fluid duct with atleast one angular position code means, into which a guide means of theconnection union may be inserted, the guide means being able to slidealong the at least one angular position code means in the course of suchinsertion.

[0029] Its end is preferably essentially planar. Such planar end or endface is for example produced by cutting the fluid line.

[0030] The fluid line may be in the form of a flexible hose line and/ora rigid pipe.

[0031] The wall of the fluid line is preferably designed for an optimumpressure sealing action in the connection zone. For instance, inaccordance with a preferred form of the invention its external surfacekeeps to a close tolerance. It will be clear that the fluid line ispreferably precision finished externally along its entire length so thatit may be severed, for example, using a knife, to a given length at anydesired point and may be joined to the connection union of theinvention.

[0032] Furthermore the fluid line is preferably such that at least inits part intended for connecting with the connection union it has aneven outline without projections or grooves. The outline is preferablyexclusively or substantially convex, and curved outward, althoughoutwardly non-curved, flat sections are possible.

[0033] The angular position code means is preferably arranged on theinner side of the fluid line. It can also be constituted by the wall.

[0034] The wall of the fluid line is preferably made essentially ofplastic.

[0035] In the case of the at least one signal connection union it may bea question of an conductor which is substantially incompressible in thelength direction of the fluid line, for example in the form of afiber-glass arrangement or a metal wire. Preferably however the at leastone signal conductor is able to be compressed in the length direction ofthe fluid line. More particularly under the action of the at least onesignal contact it is possible for the signal conductor to be forced, asit were, into the wall or displaced into this position during insertionof the fluid line into the connection union.

[0036] Preferably the connection union constitutes an integral componentof the fluid power means. It is convenient for the connection union tobe at least partly constituted by a housing of the fluid power means,the plug socket being arranged in the housing of the fluid power meansor being constituted by it.

[0037] In the following several embodiments of the invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

[0038]FIG. 1 shows partly in section a connection union in accordancewith the invention and a fluid line in accordance with the inventionduring the insertion operation, some components being omitted.

[0039]FIG. 2 shows a fluid power arrangement in the case of which aconnecting technique in accordance with the invention is employed.

[0040]FIG. 3a shows a connection union and a fluid line in accordancewith FIG. 1 also in a cross sectional elevation during the insertionoperation, without the omission of any components of the connectionunion as in FIG. 1.

[0041]FIG. 3b shows the view as in FIG. 3a, the fluid line beingcompletely inserted into the connection union.

[0042]FIG. 3c is an exploded view of the connection union and of thefluid line in accordance with FIGS. 1, 3a and 3 b.

[0043]FIG. 3d shows a simplified design of the connection union inaccordance with FIGS. 3a through 3 c.

[0044]FIGS. 4a to 4 d show cross sectional views of the fluid lines inaccordance with the invention, in whose fluid ducts a guide means inaccordance with the invention is respectively introduced.

[0045]FIG. 5 shows a connection union partly modified to differ from theunion 10.

[0046] In the fluid power arrangement 12 valve arrangements 60 of avalve unit or cluster 61 are connected by way of fluid lines 11 withfluid power means 62. In the case of the means 62 it is a question ofpneumatic power cylinders, as for example in the form of pneumaticlinear drives or the like. The valve arrangements 60 in the present casecomprise pneumatic pilot valves, which are operated electrically and/orelectromagnetically. In accordance with the pilot action owing to thevalve arrangement 60 it is possible for the power cylinders 62 to besupplied with compressed air or compressed air may leave the powercylinders, the respective pistons thereof being moved.

[0047] The valve unit 61 is supplied with compressed air by way of acompressed air supply line 66. The valve arrangements 60 are controlledand monitored by a local controller 65 of the valve unit 61. A centralcontroller 63 controls and monitors the valve unit 61 by way of acontrol and monitoring line 64, which for instance is provided in a bus.

[0048] The power cylinders 62 are connected by way of fluid lines 11with the valve unit 61. The fluid lines 11 are designed for the combinedtransfer of fluid, in the present case compressed air, and electricaland/or optical signals along a single connection line. In the case ofthe signals it is a question for example of electrical or opticalsignals, using which sensors 30, for example position sensors, conditioninformation may be transmitted to the valve unit 61 or using whichelectrically or, respectively, optically controlled actuators for fluidpower means (not illustrated in the figure) may be controlled.

[0049] The fluid lines 11 are in the present case in the form offlexible hose line. They are for example extruded plastic lines, whosewall 15 surrounds at least one fluid duct 14, which extends in theinterior of the respective fluid line 11. In the present case the wall15 has on the outside an exactly circular periphery and internally anessentially circular inner periphery defining the cross section of thefluid line 11. In the wall 15 signal conductors 16 a and 16 b arearranged, which in the present case consist of electrically conductivematerial, as for example of copper stranded wire or copper wire. Atthose position, where the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b are arrangedin the wall 15 the wall has a thicker cross section. This thicker crosssection in the present case has more particularly rib-like projections18 extending along the full length of the fluid line 11, suchprojections 18 fitting into the wall 15 at the fluid duct 14, a signalconductor passage 17 being respectively arranged for a signal conductor16 a and 16 b. In the case of the fluid line 11 the design of the innerface of the wall 15 and more particularly the radially symmetricalarrangement of the projections 18 constitutes an angular position codemeans 19 in order to ensure a correct angular positioning of the fluidline 11 in the connection unions 9 and 10 of the valve unit 61 and,respectively, of the power cylinders 62.

[0050] With reference to the connection union 10 and the fluid line 11in the following the connection technology will be explained, which isimproved by the invention. The fluid line 11 is able to be cut to thedesired length at any desired point. The signal conductors 16 a and 16 bdo then not project past an essentially flat or planar face 20, which isformed for example but cutting the fluid line 11 to the desired length,and are in fact flush with it or are even retracted somewhat behind it,this however impeding the production of a reliable contact connectionwith the connection union 10. Nevertheless, the fluid line 11 may in asimple manner be fitted to the connection union and is then reliably andpermanently joined to it.

[0051] The fitting of the fluid line 11 to the connection union 10 isperformed as follows: The fluid line 11 is inserted through an insertionopening 21 into a front section 22 of a plug socket 23. The frontsection 22 is constituted by a release ring 24 opening like afunnel-like manner toward the insertion opening 21, such ring serving asa release means for release of a holding device 25.

[0052] The holding means 25 comprises elastically flexible teeth orclaws extending into the plug socket 23 and which are inclined inrelation to the longitudinal axis of the plug socket 23 and are pivotedon a holding ring 27 so that on insertion of the fluid line 11 into theplug socket 23 they may be displaced radially outward. On retracting thefluid line 11 from the plug socket 23 or releasing it from some otherforce acting on the fluid line 11 against the direction 28 of insertionthe teeth 26 bite into the fluid line 11 and accordingly hold same fast.

[0053] However, even before the holding action of the holding device 25comes into play, the fluid line 11 is moved by a guide means 32 into apredetermined angular position on insertion of the plug socket 23, atwhich angular position the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b of theconnection union 11 may produce electrical connections with the signalconductors 16 a and 16 b.

[0054] The guide means 32 projects past the signal contacts 31 a and 31b toward the insertion opening 21. The guide means 32 is able to beintroduced into the fluid duct 14 and in the course of such introductionslides along the angular position code means 19 constituted by the formof the fluid duct 14 and, respectively, the projections 18 to move thesignal contacts 31 a and 31 b into a suitable angular position inrelation to the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b.

[0055] The guide means comprises mutually opposite lugs 33, which tapertoward the opening 21, in the present case to a point. In their frontpart the lugs 33 are joined together by a transverse rib 34. It is onlyin the rare case when the lugs 33 exactly hit the projections 18 onintroduction of the fluid line 11 that it is necessary for the fluidline 11 to be turned to a slight extent intentionally. Otherwise—andthis is by far and away the commonest case owing to the geometry of theshape of the fluid duct 14—the cams 35, which in the present case areconstituted by the lateral sides of the front part, which runs to apoint, of the lugs 33, have the effect that the fluid line 11 and/or theconnection union 10 are so turned on insertion in the insertiondirection 28 that the predetermined angular position is reached. Whenthis happens the cams 35 slide along the projections 18 acting as theangular position code means 19. The fluid line 11 will in any case reachthis angular position automatically and of its own accord.

[0056] The guide means 32 serves furthermore for centering the fluidline 11 in the plug socket 23. The lugs 33 are for this purpose adaptedto the outline of the fluid duct 14 and in the specific case in hand arecurved athwart the insertion direction 28 and in relation to the outerperiphery of the connection union 10. During further insertion of thefluid line 11 into the plug socket 23 the fluid line 11 will slide pastthe holding device 25 while pushing the teeth 26 out of the way. Thefluid line 11 is then clamped as it were between the holding device 25unit guide means 32 so that it is only able to move farther in theinsertion direction 28. Once held in a preliminary manner, on furtherinsertion the fluid line arrives at the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b,such contacts being in the present case in the form of metal pins.

[0057] The signal contacts 31 a and 31 b have points 36 directed towardthe insertion opening 21, and in the course of further insertion of thefluid line 11 they enter the signal conductor passages 17 andaccordingly produce electrical connections with the signal conductors 16a and 16 b. In the case of the connection union 10 the signal contacts31 a and 31 b are arranged so that they may slide in the insertiondirection 28 and are provided with spring means 37 so that the signalcontacts 31 a and 31 b will remain connected with the respective signalconductors 16 a and 16 b even in the case of any longitudinal motion ofthe fluid line 11 on the connection union 10. Such longitudinalmovements take place for example following pressure surges or otherchanges in pressure in the fluid line 11.

[0058] In the present case the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b are securedto a contact element bearing means 38, that is mounted for slidingmovement in the insertion direction 28 on the housing 39 of theconnection union 10. The contact element bearing means 38 has in thepresent case the form of a sleeve, whose outer periphery rests againstthe housing 39 and in whose interior the spring means 37 extend. Thespring means 37 are constituted by sections 40, which are helicallytwisted, of supply leads 41 a and 41 b, which lead to the signalcontacts 31 a and 31 b. The leads 41 a and 41 b are in the present caseconstituted by rear sections of the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b.

[0059] The ends 42, which are opposite to the signal contacts 31 a and31 b, of the supply leads 41 a and 41 b extend out of the connectionunion 10 and are for example connected with leads 29, which run from theconnection union 10 to the sensor 30. The leads 41 a and 41 b areelectrically and mechanically separated from the surroundings by aninsulating element 43. A sleeve-like body 85 of the insulating element43 is arranged in the housing 39, the leads 41 a and 41 b being arrangedin the wall of the body 85. The sections 44, which in the present caseare flexible, of the insulating element 43 project in front of thehousing 39, and the ends 42 of the leads 41 a and 41 b are arranged inthe sections 44. The sections 44 are able to be slid toward the housingand/or drawn back from it and have funnel-like openings able to acceptthe electrical contact elements for making electrical contact with theends 42. The section 44 are elastic and may form a sort of bead oroverlapping structure over a contact area, for example on a printedcircuit board, on which the ends 42 are for example seated.

[0060] Facing the insertion opening 21 a sealing ring 45 is arranged onthe contact element bearing means 38, such ring 45 having the signalcontacts 31 a and 31 b extending through it to hold same. In the presentcase the sealing ring 45 serves to secure the signal contacts 31 a and31 b on the contact element bearing means 38. The signal contacts 31 aand 31 b may however also be directly secured on the contact elementbearing means 38.

[0061] The contact element bearing means 40 each have their one endbearing against the contact element bearing means 38 and/or against thesealing ring 45 while the other end bears against the housing 39, thatis to say in the present case on the insulating element 43. The springmeans 37 are biased against the insertion direction 28, the contactelement bearing means 38 bearing on a support ring 46 or some otherabutment in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 28.

[0062] In the present case the guide means 32 is arranged on the contactelement bearing means 38 and projects to the front thereof toward theinsertion opening 21 If now on insertion of the fluid line 11 into theconnection union 10—one could in the present case speak of “slipping thefluid line 11 over the guide means 32”—the signal contacts 31 a and 31 bstrike the end face 20 of the fluid line 11 or, respectively, the signalconductors 16 a and 16 b, the fluid line 11 will sort of slide thesignal contacts 31 a and 31 b in the insertion direction 28 in relationto the housing 39 to the rear. When this happens, the contact elementbearing means 38 will be bodily displaced to the rear and the springmeans 37 will be stressed until the contact element bearing means 38hits an abutment 47, which is constituted by a step on the housing 39and/or the body 85 of the insulating element 43. The signal contacts 31a and 31 b may then not be slid any farther in the insertion direction28 and on further insertion of the fluid line 11 move farther into theconnection union 10 in the sections 48 of the conductor passages 17until the fluid line 11 strikes the sealing ring 45, which constitutesan abutment associated with the plug socket 23. The sealing ring 45 thenmakes sealing contact with the end side 20 of the fluid line so that thesignal contacts 31 a and 31 b are protected against fluid or otheroxidizing and/or contaminating materials.

[0063] In the case of a longitudinal movement of the fluid line 11 inthe connection union 10 as well the sealing ring 45 reliably engages theend side 20 owing to the spring means 37. Furthermore—and this is aparticularly important point—the signal contacts 31 a and 31 bessentially remain in the same position in relation to the fluid line 11in the longitudinal direction. During a longitudinal movement of thefluid line 11 they are also moved resiliently and so reliably maintainthe contact with the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b.

[0064] Although it would in principle be possible for the signalcontacts 31 a and 31 b to be able to move in the longitudinal directionin the sections 48 of the signal conductor passages 17, in the presentcase however the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b have such a cross sectionand/or such a surface that in the sections 48 they are held by frictionor even with a clamping action. The cross section of the signal contacts31 a and 31 b is for example larger than that of the signal conductorpassages 17. The surface is for example rough, ribbed, grooved or thelike.

[0065] As for the electrical contact between the signal contacts 31 aand 31 b and the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b, there are variousdifferent possibilities. As an example the signal contacts 31 a and 31 bmay partly or completely displace the signal conductors 16 a and 16 bfrom the sections 48, as is indicated in FIG. 1. It is however alsopossible for the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b to enter the signalconductor passages 17 adjacent to the signal conductors 16 a and 16 band/or to cut into the the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b so that thelatter in the sections 48 may assume positions at least partly adjacentto the signal contacts 31 a and 31 b. This design is particularlypreferred, since it renders possible a good electrical connection.

[0066] Although the elongated shape of the signal contacts 31 a and 31 band accordingly their entry into the signal conductor passages 17 isparticularly preferred, it would in principle be possible to havecontact faces lying flat against the sealing ring 45 or contact faceswhich are curved toward the insertion opening 21, such faces preferablybeing faces on spring contact elements. Such contacts could provide areliable connection with the signal conductors 16 a and 16 b even if thelatter were flush with the end face 20.

[0067] Between the holding device 25 and the support ring 46 a fluidseal 86 in the form of an O ring is provided, which with a fluid line 11inserted into the connection union 10 makes contact with the outer sidethereof and provides a fluid sealing action. Fluid from the fluid duct11 may therefore flow past the contact element bearing means 38, in thepresent case through the same, to an connection opening 50 on the sideopposite to the insertion opening 21, of the connection union 10 andthence for example to a chamber of the power cylinder 62.

[0068] For the release of the fluid line 11 from the holding device 25the release ring 24 is moved in the insertion direction 28 so that thesaid lugs 33 are moved clear of the outer periphery of the fluid line 11and same may be drawn out of the connection union 10.

[0069] The housing 39 of the connection union 10 has external steps 51and a seal 49 seated in the groove 52 constituted by the steps 51 sothat for example it may be screwed or thrust into a housing 53 of thepower cylinder 62.

[0070] However, the housing of a connection union could in principlealso be formed by a housing of a fluid power means, as for example bythe housing 53. For instance, the connection union 87 as shown in FIG.3d, which unlike the connection union 10 does not have any housing ofits own, could be incorporated in a housing of a fluid power means.

[0071] In the present case the fluid line 11 has a strictly minimumexternal diameter tolerance, something rendering possible a high qualityseal at the connection union 10. A further contribution to asatisfactory seal is that the fluid line 11 has a circular outline. Inthis respect it is to be noted however that in principle other outlineswould be possible, for instance a polygonal or elliptical one.

[0072] It is preferred for the fluid line 11 to possess an even crosssection along its entire length so that it can be cut at any positionand still fit the connection union. Designs are however also possible inthe case of which a fluid line has branches as illustrated in FIG. 2 forexample. In this case the line itself may possess branches and/or, as inFIG. 2, for example T-unions 88 are present to form branches. Theconnection unions 9 of the valve arrangements 60 may for example bedesigned to receive two particular fluid lines of the type 11 or forexample to receive a fluid line 89 with for example two, of which onebranches at the respective T-union 88 into a fluid duct of a fluid line11.

[0073] The connection union 13 depicted in FIG. 5 has in principle thesame structure as the connection union 10. Similar components areprovided with the same reference numerals. The differences will bedescribed in the following.

[0074] The holding device 25 and the release ring 24 constitute asubassembly 55, which is able to be inserted into the housing 39. Acontact element bearing means 56 is arranged in this housing able toslide in the insertion direction 28, such bearing means essentiallyhaving the same function as the contact element bearing means 38: on itthe signal contacts 31 a and 31 b are secured athwart the direction 28of insertion 28 and furthermore the guide means 32 is fixed on it.Instead of the leads 41 a and 41 b the leads 57 a and 57 b are provided,which possess contact pins 58 projecting past the housing 39 andfurthermore spring contacts 59 arranged between the contact pins 58 andthe signal contacts 31 a and 31 b. The spring contacts 59 serve on theone hand for electrical signal transmission between the contacts 31 aand 31 b and the contact pins 58 and on the other hand as spring means37 in accordance with the invention, which bias the contact elementbearing means 56 toward the insertion opening 21.

[0075] A spring 67 is indicated in chained lines, which instead of or inaddition to the spring contacts 59 could perform the function of springmeans 37 in accordance with the invention. The contacts 37 a and 37 band the contact pins 58 could be connected with flexible lines (notillustrated) instead of with the spring contacts 59.

[0076] Various different forms of angular position code means inaccordance with the invention are to be seen in the case of the fluidlines 68 through 71 in FIGS. 4a through 4 d. In the following componentswith equivalent functions are provided with reference numerals as inFIGS. 1 through 3.

[0077] The wall 15 of the fluid line 68 is externally circular butinternally defines a fluid duct 72 tending to be elliptical. Moreover,on the bore face of the wall 15 mutually opposite grooves 73 arearranged, which constitute a angular encoding means. In the grooves 73groove pieces 74 are arranged, which constitute a guide means of theinvention. The groove pieces 74 are for example designed tapering to apoint like the lugs 33 so that same may be readily introduced into thegrooves 74. On introduction of the groove pieces 74 into the fluid duct72 in principle two alternative angular positions of the fluid duct 68in relation to the connection union are possible, in the case of whichthe signal conductors 16 a and 16 b arranged in the wall 15 may comeinto contact with the signal contacts, associated with them, on theconnection union.

[0078] Four possible angular positions are possible in the case of thefluid line 69 in accordance with FIG. 4b, which has a circular outlineand internally has a fluid duct 76 with an essentially square crosssection, which constitutes a angular encoding means. On the lateraledges of this fluid duct 76 there rest, for example guide elements 77 inthe form of guide rods, as part a guide means in accordance with theinvention. In each case generally in the middle of the lateral faces ofthe fluid duct 76, that is to say where the wall 15 has a maximumthickness, signal conductors 75 are arranged.

[0079] The fluid line 70 in accordance with FIG. 4c has an ellipticaloutline and an essentially square cross section fluid duct 76 (intowhich the guide elements 77 are inserted) as in FIG. 4b. In the case ofthe fluid line 70 both its outline and also the square cross section ofthe fluid duct 76 constitute angular encoding means. In the case of thefluid line 70 four signal conductors 78 are provided, which arerespectively arranged in pairs at opposite lateral faces of the fluidduct 76. Here as well the signal conductors 78 are placed where the wall15 has its maximum thickness, as was the case with the fluid line 69.

[0080] In contradistinction to all examples so far in the case of thefluid line 71 only one single angular position is possible on connectionwith a suitable connection union 79. Such a design will be selected forexample when only one single signal conductor is present or when aplurality of signal conductors 80 are to be connected up without anychance of connection reversal. The connection union 79 possesses a guidemeans 81 with a spur 83 and a lug 82 opposite to it. The spur 83 runs ina groove 84, constituting the angular encoding means, in the wall 15.The lug 82 rests against the opposite section, which is substantiallycircular, of the wall 15.

1. A connection union for a fluid line containing a fluid duct, whosewall comprises at least one signal conductor for the transmission ofelectrical and/or optical signals, comprising a plug socket for thefluid line, a holding device for holding the fluid line in the mountedstate and at least one signal contact for the production of a connectionwith the at least one signal conductor, wherein the at least one signalcontact is able to be slid in the insertion direction of the fluid lineand wherein the at least one signal contact is provided with springmeans acting toward an insertion opening for the fluid line so that inthe case of a longitudinal movement of the fluid line mounted on theconnection union, the at least one signal contact remains in connectionwith the at least one signal conductor.
 2. The connection union as setforth in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal contact is fixed on acontact carrier which is slidingly mounted on the connection union formovement in the insertion direction of the fluid line.
 3. The connectionunion as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal contactis able to be at least frictionally secured to the fluid line inrelation to the at least one signal conductor.
 4. The connection unionas set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal conductor isarranged in a signal conductor passage in the fluid line and in that theat least one signal contact is so designed that it may bite into asection of the signal conductor passage at the end.
 5. The connectionunion as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal contactis provided with an abutment effective opposite to the insertiondirection, on which the at least one signal contact may bear against oninsertion of the fluid line into the fluid line.
 6. The connection unionas set forth in claim 5, wherein the at least one signal contactpossesses a point for penetrating into the signal conductor passage. 7.The connection union as set forth in claim 5, wherein the at least onesignal contact so designed that it is held by a clamping action in thesignal conductor passage.
 8. The connection union as set forth in claim1, further comprising a contact seal means effective in the mountedstate between the at least one signal contact and the at least one fluidduct.
 9. The connection union as set forth in claim 1, wherein thespring means are biased toward the insertion opening.
 10. The connectionunion as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spring means are designed inthe form of a connection line leading to the at least one signalcontact.
 11. The connection union as set forth in claim 1, wherein thespring means comprise at least one spring arrangement separate from theat least one signal contact.
 12. The connection union as set forth inclaim 1, further comprising a guide means provided adjacent to the fluidline socket for the arrangement of the fluid line with a predeterminedangular position, such guide means being able to be inserted into the atleast one fluid duct and in the course of such insertion to slide alongat least one angular position code means arranged in the at least onefluid duct so that the fluid line is able to be brought, prior to makingcontact between the at least one signal contact and the at least onesignal conductor, into a predetermined angular position.
 13. Theconnection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein the guide means is sodesigned that on insertion of the fluid line the predetermined angularposition may be reached even prior to fixation of the fluid line by theholding device.
 14. The connection union as set forth in claim 12,wherein the guide means is centrally arranged on the fluid line socket.15. The connection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein the guidemeans is designed to center the fluid line at the fluid line socket. 16.The connection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein an abutment isarranged for the fluid line at the fluid line socket and wherein theguide means projects to the fore of the abutment.
 17. The connectionunion as set forth in claim 12, wherein the guide means possesses atleast one cam cooperating with the angular position code means.
 18. Theconnection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein the angular positioncode means is arranged on the inner face of the wall of the fluid line.19. The connection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein the angularposition code means is constituted by the cross sectional geometry ofthe fluid duct and/or by at least one groove and/or by the at least oneprojection in which the at least one signal conductor is arranged andthat the guide means is designed for cooperation with the suitablydesigned angular position code means.
 20. The connection union as setforth in claim 12, wherein the guide means comprises at least two lugsadapted to the outline of the fluid duct which in the mounted state restagainst the outer face of the fluid duct.
 21. The connection union asset forth in claim 12, wherein the predetermined angular position is aunique angular position or that the predetermined angular position hasat least one second radially symmetrical corresponding angular position.22. The connection union as set forth in claim 12, wherein the guidemeans is on the contact carrier.
 23. A fluid line for a connection unioncomprising a fluid duct and a wall having at least one signal conductorfor the transmission of electrical and/or optical signals, wherein thefluid line has an end face provided for the connection with theconnection union wherein the end face (20) is flush with the at leastone signal conductor or in relation to said end face the at least onesignal conductor is retracted.
 24. The fluid line as set forth in claim23, further comprising at least one fluid duct with at least one angularposition code means into which a guide means of the connection union canbe inserted, the guide means being able to slide along the at least oneangular position code means during such insertion.
 25. The fluid line asset forth in claim 24, wherein the end face is essentially planar. 26.The fluid line as set forth in claim 23, wherein the fluid line is inthe form of a flexible hose line and/or a rigid pipe line.
 27. The fluidline as set forth in claim 23, wherein the wall of the fluid line has anexternal precision finish.
 28. The fluid line as set forth in claim 23,wherein the fluid line connection portion has an even outline withoutprojections and grooves.
 29. The fluid line as set forth in claim 23,wherein the wall is essentially of plastic.
 30. The fluid line as setforth in claim 23, wherein at least one signal conductor in the wall isable to be compressed in the longitudinal direction of the fluid lineowing to the at least one signal contact.
 31. A fluid power meanscomprising: at least one fluid line containing a fluid duct, whose wallcomprises at least one signal conductor for the transmission ofelectrical and/or optical signals; and at least one connection unionhaving a plug socket for the fluid line, a holding device for holdingthe fluid line in the mounted state and at least one signal contact forthe production of a connection with the at least one signal conductor,wherein the at least one signal contact is able to be slid in theinsertion direction of the fluid line and wherein the at least onesignal contact is provided with spring means acting toward an insertionopening for the fluid line so that in the case of a longitudinalmovement of the fluid line mounted on the connection union, the at leastone signal contact remains in connection with the at least one signalconductor.
 32. The fluid power means as set forth in claim 31, whereinthe at least one connection union constitutes an integral component ofthe fluid power means.